The New Castle County Farm Bureau recognized Robbie and Emily Emerson, Tim McCardell, and The Jeff Bartsch Family at the annual banquet on October 13 at the Townsend Fire Hall. The banquet celebrated the work of the agriculture community.
Rising Star – Robbie and Emily Emerson
Robbie and Emily Emerson were honored with the Rising Star Award in recognition of their outstanding commitment to the agriculture industry.
Robbie, who was raised in the Farm Bureau community, has served as both a delegate and a mentor to young farmers. He actively contributes to several agricultural organizations, including the Delaware Soybean Board, Atlantic Soybean Council, United Soybean Board, and the Southern States Board of Directors. Working alongside his family, Robbie embraces innovation and sustainability in their farming practices, while also supporting local FFA, 4-H, and college students.
Emily shares Robbie’s deep passion for agriculture. She is an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at William Penn High School in New Castle, where she leads the Animal Systems pathway. Raised in the dairy industry, Emily remains a strong advocate for its future. She serves on the Delaware Association of Agriscience Teachers and supports her home FFA chapter through numerous community outreach events, including reading agriscience books to local elementary students. Robbie and Emily work on their family farm, where they raise dairy heifers, beef cattle, and crops.
“Together they embody the spirit of Delaware agriculture,” said New Castle County President Stewart Ramsey. “Balancing innovation with tradition, leadership with mentorship, and a shared dedication to preserving farming for generations to come.”
Distinguished Service to Agriculture -Tim McCardell
Tim McCardell was presented with the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award for his decades-long dedication to supporting Delaware’s farming community. Growing up on a family dairy farm sparked Tim’s lifelong passion for agriculture. After graduating from Penn State University, he returned to the family farm before managing a 120-head beef cattle operation.
He later managed a fertilizer and grain elevator, building strong relationships with New Castle County farmers during his time with Agway and UAP, now part of Nutrien. In 2000, Tim founded his own company, Delcarm, to serve farmers in Middletown and the surrounding areas. Under his leadership, Delcarm has grown into a provider of custom-applied fertilizer, crop protection products, seed, and direct-ship fertilizer solutions.
“Thank you to all of the New Castle County members who have helped me to this point,” said McCardell. He also encouraged educators and the general public to visit and learn more about the company’s services and the vital role agriculture plays in the community.
Farm Family of the Year – The Jeff Bartsch Family
The Jeff Bartsch Family was named the 2025 New Castle County Farm Family of the Year for their unwavering dedication and passion for agriculture. The Bartsch family has been farming in New Castle County since 1940. Over the years, they have expanded their operation, once raising hogs and now focusing on small grain production.
Jeff Bartsch attended the University of Delaware majoring in Agricultural Engineering and has spent over 25 years promoting agricultural conservation through his excavating business and long-standing partnerships with the New Castle Conservation District. The family is known for mentoring young farmers, lending equipment to neighbors, and encouraging non-farmers to get involved in agriculture. They are stewards of the land, embracing soil health, cover crops, and sustainable practices.
“A Farm Bureau member for more than 20 years, he has served on committees, represented the organization as a board member, and remains a strong advocate for Delaware agriculture,” said Ramsey, highlighting the Bartsch family’s deep involvement in both the Farm Bureau and the broader agricultural community.
Livestock Rate of Gain Awards
The Rate of Gain contest recognizes 4-H and FFA members in New Castle County who achieved the highest rate of gain with their livestock animals shown at the Delaware State Fair.
Anna Kuzminski of Middletown earned the highest rate of gain in Goats for FFA at 0.31 lbs/day.
Annabelle Strong of Newark earned the highest rate of gain in Sheep for FFA at 0.65 lbs/day.
For more information on New Castle County Farm Bureau, visit https://defb.org/about-us/counties/newcastle-county-farm-bureau/
